MODULE NINE: 3/24-3/30: 1930’s Great Depression and the New Deal
Section outline
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The era of the Great Depression was characterized by an unemployment level of over 30%. The Stock Market crash was followed by the largest man-made environmental catastrophe of the 20th Century- the Dust Bowl. Millions of people began to migrate out of cities as they searched for work. What is the solution? A change in the role of the federal government.
We have often emphasized the ways in which federalism has impacted our historical trajectories. Once again, we come to this topic. You will recall that we discussed the ways in which the federal government moved to take an interventionist approach during Reconstruction. The Radical Republicans created civil rights laws. The federal government intervened on behalf of the people by creating the Freedmen's Bureau.
The New Deal was President Roosevelt's (FDR) response to the economic crises of the Great Depression. For the first time since Reconstruction, the federal government intervenes directly into the lives of the people. This comes in the form of direct federal employment and leads to new social programs, such as federal aid for people with disabilities and the creation of the Social Security Act.
There is a short analysis assignment due at the end of this module.-
Read the overview page. Next, enter the textbook and read the chapter.
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Read the content. Click on the different images and read about the experiences of each group.
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